Texas Governor Calls for Criminal Prosecution Over 'Pornographic' Books in School Libraries

Texas Governor Calls for Criminal Prosecution Over 'Pornographic' Books in School Libraries

AUSTIN — Texas Governor Greg Abbott today sent a second letter to state education authorities claiming minors “have been exposed to pornographic books and content in Texas public schools” and instructing the Texas Education Agency to “investigate any criminal activity in our public schools involving the availability of pornography.”

Today’s letter from the Republican governor follows the one Abbott sent last week to the state’s Association of School Boards, endorsing a group of parents who demanded their children be “shielded” from some books in school libraries, and referring to the material as “clearly pornographic images and substance” and “obscene content.”

Abbott's letters, the Texas Tribune reported, were prompted by “an inquiry launched by state Rep. Matt Krause, a Fort Worth Republican running for Texas attorney general. Krause sent a letter to certain school districts with an 850-book list that included novels about racism and sexuality.”

Today, Abbott repeated the call for the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission “to begin developing statewide standards to prevent the presence of pornography and other obscene content in Texas public schools.”

He added, “while these standards are being developed, more immediate action is needed to protect Texas students.”

Quoting Section 43.24 of the Texas Penal Code, Abbott warned that the availability of what he considers “pornographic material that serves no educational purpose” to students in Texas public schools “is a clear violation of the law.”

Abbott also ordered an investigation into “any criminal activity in our public schools involving the availability of pornography. During this investigation, I ask the agency to refer any instance of pornography being provided to minors under the age of 18 for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Braindance Unveils '6DOF' VR Tech

Interactive virtual reality platform Braindance has debuted its new Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) VR technology.

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

AEBN Publishes Popular Seraches by Country for September, October

AEBN has released its list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Avery Jane Featured on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Avery Jane is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

FSC: Kansas Law Firm Threatens Adult Site Over Age Verification

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has been notified that Kansas law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley has sent a letter threatening an adult website with a lawsuit for breaking the state's age verification law.

10th Circuit Rejects Final FSC Appeal in Utah AV Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on Monday rejected a motion by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) requesting that the full court rehear its appeal in Free Speech Coalition v. Anderson, the industry trade association’s challenge to Utah’s age verification law.

Trump Nominates Project 2025 Contributor, Section 230 Foe to Chair FCC

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated, as his pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr — an author of Project 2025 who has called for gutting Section 230 protections.

Streamate's Elevate Partners With Miss Mei on Decriminalization Initiative

Streamate’s Elevate initiative is debuting a November collaboration with creator and community advocate Miss Mei that will highlight the modern criminalization of sex work.

Show More